Saturday, November 17, 2007

Four Jussi Jokinen goals, three points for Mike Modano, an amazingly large amount of turnovers by Colorado, and a simply dreadful night resulted in a 6-1 loss for the Avalanche.

There isn't must good to report. (As reflected in the Three Stars) Dallas was simply the better team. Jokinen, whose four goals are tied for the second most in a single game in franchise history, scored two of them in the second, which were apart of a four goal second period for the Stars. The lone Avs goal was scored by Jaroslav Hlinka with just three minutes to go in the game.

Turnovers were a key in Dallas's win. Not only did they forecheck very well and for the full 60 minutes, but Colorado helped them out the entire way. It seemed like a minute didn't go by before Jeff Finger or Kurt Sauer or a foward or another defenseman lost the puck at the blue line. Mike Ribeiro basically stood in place behind the net as the Stars completely controlled the pace of the game.

Special teams were dreadful. The Avs were 0-2 on the penalty kill and 0-3 on the powerplay. This was while being outshot 26-18 in the game, including being outshot 14-6 in the second period.

Jose Theodore was pulled after the fifth goal. He allowed five goals on just fifteen shots. Mike Smith, who played goal for the Stars, made 17 saves on 18 shots.

On the Dallas broadcast of the game, the announcers called it the best Dallas has played in years. As for the Avs, this is one they need to forget.

We need to improve getting the puck out of the zone! There is absolutely NO POSITIVE SPIN in turning over the puck. And it's not just one guy. It's everybody. Furthermore, the fowards need to learn how to backcheck properly. That's a direct reflection on coaching.

This could be a Stanley Cup team - but these games aren't acceptable.

Lappy UpdateIan Lapperiere is offically out for 2-4 weeks. Look for Scott Parker and Brad Richardson to fill his spot in the lineup.

Three Stars of the Game

1.2.3.

The Three Stars are null for this game. No one deserves it. It's true.

Next UpThe Avalanche will play the Minnesota Wild on Sunday and the game will be for first place in the division. Currently, the Avs are just one point ahead of the Wild in the Northwest. Colorado is just four points back of the conference leading Red Wings.

Minnesota last played on Friday against the Canucks and lost 6-2. Just like us...they'll look to avenge that effort.